Massive Cycling Event Headed to Mississauga

Spring might not feel like it's sprung, but the warmer weather is on route and so, too, is a major cycling event.

The City of Mississauga recently announced that the city will continue to host the Tour de Mississauga in 2018, in partnership with SustainMobility and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC).

"Since its start in 2007, the Tour de Mississauga has motivated thousands of residents to cycle and has become one of Canada's largest community cycling events," said Geoff Wright, commissioner, Transportation and Works.

For those who are unaware, the Tour de Mississauga is an annual cycling event that takes place on the third Sunday in September. It is one of Ontario's largest cycling events, and has been hitting the city once a year since 2007.

According to the city, the event was restructured in 2017 to make it more financially sustainable. Registration fees were introduced and the longer 80, 100 and 120 kilometre routes were replaced with shorter five and 10 kilometre routes.

The city says the route changes reduced organization time and provided more opportunity for families and children to participate in the cycling event.

"As a City, we continue to pursue our goal of growing cycling for commuting, recreation and exercise. By partnering with SustainMobility and MCAC this gives us the opportunity to reach a broader group of cyclists while we look for a more permanent solution for operating the tour."

According to the GC report, staff recommends hiring SustainMobility to help organize the Tour de Mississauga at a cost of $51,655. This will be funded from the city's existing operating budget and a $9,827 surplus from the 2017 event.

The Region of Peel will help with a $15,000 grant to support operating expenses. As part of the recommendations, staff will seek approval for longer term funding to assist in finding a third party to manage the Tour de Mississauga after 2018.

"The Tour de Mississauga is designed to promote and attract families and cyclists of all skill levels to ride in and explore the City of Mississauga," said Chris Fonseca, ward 3 councillor and MCAC member. "The tour is a popular event that has attracted up to 3,800 riders and there is so much opportunity to continue to grow cycling in Mississauga."

The recommendations will go to city council for approval at the April 11 council meeting.